Golf courses around the Pembina Valley may be closed for the season, but we don’t want to miss the opportunity to recognize Brad Norrie. A golfer whose remarkable season, determination, and good humour make him our Local Sports Star of the Month.
Submitted photo: Sports star of the month Brad Norrie (right), and brother and golf partner Spencer (left)
Nominated by his brother and golf partner Spencer, Brad’s story is one of passion, persistence, and plenty of personal bests.
“Brad began golfing more often only a few years ago to spend more time with family and friends,” Spencer shared. “This season, all that time on the course really paid off.”
And pay off it did.
Brad broke 95 for the first time at Minnewasta Golf & Country Club. No small feat on one of Manitoba’s most challenging courses.
Weeks later, he broke 90, and then went on to post a career-low round of 85.
In Men’s League play, Brad shone under pressure, carding back-to-back 9-hole rounds of 40 and 39, carrying his team deep into the playoffs.
Though the duo’s run ended in the Elite 8, Brad kept swinging, and made Pembina Valley golf history of his own.
That’s when things turned legendary.
Brad shot a stunning 79 at Minnewasta, the kind of score that “seems like a mythical story you’d read to your child at bedtime,” according to Spencer. But Brad wasn’t done yet.
Submitted photo: Sports star of the month Brad Norrie
He followed it up with one of golf’s most elusive accomplishments: a hole-in-one on the par-3 12th hole at Scottswood Links, using what his brother calls his “magic wand” — a newly purchased hybrid club.
Beyond his stats and storybook shots, Brad is celebrated for his attitude on and off the course.
“Brad is one of the most enjoyable people to play golf with and be around,” his brother said. “He’s always supporting others, keeping everyone’s spirits up, and somehow staying cool under pressure like ice cubes that wouldn’t melt in a sauna.”
For his incredible season, positive energy, and role as both teammate and brother, Brad Norrie earns this month’s title of Local Sports Star of the Month.
Submitted photo: Sports star of the month Brad Norrie